Nvidia SHIELD Android TV Review - PC Game streaming, emulation, Kodi, YouTube, Is it the best?

Video Index:

00:02 - Hardware overview
03:48 - Interface demonstration
03:58 - YouTube demonstration
04:33 - Nvida TegraZone / Shield Hub discussion
05:01 - X1 graphics demo / Talos Principle
05:46 - PC game streaming - navigating launchers
06:54 - PC game streaming demonstration with Elite:Dangerous
08:29 - MAME emulation
08:57 - Console emulation
09:22 - Dreamcast Emulation via Reicast
10:26 - Kodi HDHomerun Demonstration
11:13 - Kodi Blu Ray MKV demonstration
11:38 - Conclusion and final thoughts

ERRATA - the controller uses WiFi technology, not bluetooth.

This is without question the ultimate set top box on the market from any manufacturer running on any platform. It's fast, responsive, and incredibly versatile.

It will run most of the Android software library either via the Android TV Play Store or side-loaded APK files. It can stream games from gaming PCs on your home network. It supports Netflix and YouTube at full 4k resolution too. And it does this all incredibly fast thanks to its high end Nvidia X1 processor.

The game controller is responsive and has zero noticeable lag back to the console. It and the optional remote also have a headphone jack for private listening. It supports HDMI-CEC for controlling through a compatible television or home theater receiver.

I really like that they make all of its USB ports accessible to applications as well as the SD card slot. Most of the competing Android TV devices lock those ports down.

Android gaming has a ways to go yet.. The reason is that a bulk of the android development is going towards lower end processors. But Nvidia is actively courting developers to target their higher end hardware.

In short this is a great device and well worth the premium price tag - especially for serious gamers.

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[wwjoshdew]

1:39 The Shield controller actually works via WiFi. I'm sure the Remote is the same. WiFi Direct or something like that. Faster response times than Bluetooth and sync super fast!

[DrxSlump]

Dreamcast was far ahead of its time. It still doesn't look bad and we're talking about 1998 hardware!

[rwxstudio]

On the comments regarding games and external harddrive storage, I know that with the Shield Portable I can go into settings and move certain Games and apps from the Shield Hub (Google Play Store) between the internal storage and the microSD card. roughly 80% Of the apps and games I have can be transferred between the 2 storage medias.
Should be the same for this device as well

[johnathandoe]

This guy is underrated.  Lon all your reviews are very well-spoken and get right to the point.  What's more you seem to cover all the "big questions" a potential consumer may have!

[jonnee]

What's the biggest size External Hard Drive this device would recognise? I know that other android tv devices has a limitation of 3TB? Please let me know

[matjaro]

The only review that covers KODI, thank you !!!

[dosmaiz]

Just got mine for 149 black friday, along with a free nvidia shield remote! Can't wait 'til it arrives to test it out.

[asm_canucks]

Can you stream your own pc games at 4k? Or is the local streaming limited to 1080p?

[Usrthsbcufeh]

you can also get the remote free with the Nvidia SHIELD PRO

[ThatsPety]

wow. you answered literally every question I had about the device. Its like you read my mind. good stuff

[LvSlacker]

Looks great. Your review was a bit more brief compared to others I've seen yet more thorough in coverage of features (i.e., Kodi, emulation, pc streaming), so thank you. I think I'm sold.

[goldenoldie]

Great review (as usual).  Thx.  Can you test whether or not it will pass through DTS-MA and TrueHD (Kodi).

[pastqr]

i own 80 games on steam but i no longer have a gaming pc. Can i still play my steam games with this via wifi?

[sbrader]

An emulator you can try in these reviews is the ppsspp psp emulator as its a more modern console and try to find a very demanding game for it

[OrionsAngel]

People are actually running the Dolphin Emulator on the Nvidia SHIELD TV. It seems to run pretty well. I'm sure as they update the emulator it'll run even better down the road.

[anol]

Can't wait till I pick this up after work! Gonna try the UAE4Droid app, so I can play Amiga games on it. Nostalgia :D

[OrionsAngel]

Yes finally! An Android TV device that let's your have full access of the USB port. Thank you Nvidia!

[OrionsAngel]

It'll run the PSP emulator as well. So there is more emulation after Dreamscast on the Nvidia SHIELD TV,

[samlazar]

Hi Lon,
i have Android 4.2 Jelly Bean on a tv box i got from Jb-Hifi witch is like best buy. it is running Android not Android TV. it is so hopeless.

I live in Melbourne Australia

Sam

[GamingGadgetsTechnology]

Wow! I want this...hopefully I'll get one sometime this year or early next year. Great review Lon!!!